USE OF THE COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

 

            We want you to “Be the Best You Can Be.”  To achieve this, successful course planning is necessary.

            The course descriptions in this book contain the classes and programs that will be offered during the 2007-2008 school year.  These descriptions will help you make decisions that are consistent with your goals when planning your school program.

            A high school education is intended to strengthen your abilities and aptitudes, to develop your intellect to the fullest, and to broaden your interests so that you will be able to make full use of your individual capabilities.

            Pre-planning on your part enables Abraham Lincoln High School to educate you with the widest possible choice of curricula.  In considering your plans, begin with a self-inventory.  Ask:  What are my interests?  What are my objectives?  What are my skills?  Acquaint yourself with the different career and college opportunities open to you.  Confer with your parents, your teachers and your counselors about courses and programs that will aid in meeting your personal objectives.  Talk with business people, professional people and others of various skills in our community to determine what courses and programs will be most beneficial in meeting your goals.  We are currently offering three career academies – Medical/Health, Pre-engineering and Information Technology.  Read more about these opportunities in this booklet if you have considered a related career.              Read this book carefully and thoroughly.  Note prerequisites to course admission and make your course choices appropriately.  It is imperative that you take the time to seriously consider and plan your course of study prior to registration.  Schedule changes will be kept at an absolute minimum after registration is completed.

            Do not take all your required courses in the first two years.  Spread them out over four (4) years.  We want you to enjoy school.

            Have a great year!  If you have questions or need help, see your counselor or an administrator.

 

                                                                                    Melanie Fullmer Shellberg, Principal

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Abraham Lincoln High School

Guidance Staff

 

We are available to assist you in your planning for the future.  Please do not hesitate to ask.  Phone 328-6484.

 

Sharon Crawford

Ginger Morgan

Billie Shelton

Don Youtz

 

 

 

 

ABRAHAM LINCOLN HIGH SCHOOL

PHILOSOPHY

            We recognize that students are a valuable resource in any community.  They deserve a positive environment, which fosters their intellectual, emotional, social, aesthetic and physical development.  Administrators, teachers, aides, counselors, clerical workers, custodians, food service workers and support staff share the responsibility for providing an atmosphere conducive to education.

                It is the responsibility of our instructional staff to create and provide an interdisciplinary, sequential program designed to serve the students’ widely varied interests and needs.  The administrative team has an essential role in instructional leadership and must be responsible for monitoring implementation of this program.  It is the teacher’s role to teach, as it is the student’s role to learn.  We believe it is the responsibility of all staff to assist the students in preparing to deal effectively with life.  We will insist upon standards of performance that will prepare students to successfully meet societal demands.  We will develop the student’s awareness of responsibilities and provide for the enhancement of self-esteem.

                We believe that parental involvement in the student’s learning is crucial and that parents and students share this responsibility.  The community is a partner in the endeavor.  Financial resources and community involvement are necessary for students to achieve established goals.

 

GENERAL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

 

FOR ALL STUDENTS:

 

A.      Completion of 48 credits grades 9-12

 

B.       Completion of the following required credits beginning in ninth grade year:

Social Studies...................................... 6 credits required (Entering Fall of 2005)

English.................................................. 8 credits required

Math..................................................... 6 credits required (Entering Fall of 2004)

Science................................................. 6 credits required (Entering Fall of 2004)

P.E......................................................... 1 credit each year for a total of 4 credits, unless excused per district policy.  The courses that can be used to meet these requirements will be determined through the Board of Directors’ approval.

 

C.       Validation (rubric level 3 and above) on the following District Graduate Standards (some of which will be assessed through District-wide Common Assessment Tasks in grades 9-12)

Knowledgeable Person...................... 7 validations required 

                (1 in Algebra/Personal Finance, 4 others after achieving junior status)

Complex Thinker................................. 7 validations required

Effective Communicator..................... 4 validations required

                (1 through a designated Reading task (grades 9-12) and 1 in writing during 11th or 12th grade)

Quality Producer................................. 1 validation required

Self-Directed Learner.......................... 1 validation required

(Earned through the successful completion and exhibition of a high school/career plan completed in grades 9-12 and presented in 12th grade)

Collaborative Participant................... 1 validation required

 

                Students will achieve validations on the above District Graduate Standards through classroom performance-based assessment tasks embedded within the curriculum and through District Common Assessment Tasks.

                       

PARTICIPATION IN COMMENCEMENT CEREMONIES

                No student will be allowed to participate in commencement ceremonies unless all graduation requirements have been completed.  Diplomas are issued following the ceremony.  All eligible students will participate in graduation ceremonies unless previously excused by the principal.  Students may be excluded from graduation exercises for disciplinary reasons.

 

ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY

                Abraham Lincoln High School believes that any student demonstrating satisfactory academic progress should be eligible to participate in co-curricular activities.  A student shall be passing all credits during participation in activities specified in Policy 612 in the Code of Conduct.  To participate, students shall have earned all credits in the preceding semester.  Special Education and/or students under a 504 plan will be required to be making appropriate progress on their I.E.P. or individual 504 plan.   Students need to be enrolled in enough credits to be on track for graduation.  More specific guidelines are available in the district Code of Conduct. 

                Students who have achieved 36 credits and are on track for graduation during the current school year need to be passing five (5) credits during participation in activities.

 

                This policy does not preclude coaches, sponsors or organizations from establishing reasonable rules and penalties for behaviors and academic standards not identified through this policy.  Such rules must be approved by the building administration.  Students must be aware of this policy and any additional rules prior to the beginning of the activity season, including the procedures for monitoring academic progress, reporting that progress to parents and for remediating academic deficits.

 

CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

                A wide variety of activities are available to students.  You are encouraged to become involved in one or more of them.  Students who take part in activities usually have higher grades and more fun.  Be a part of the activities program!

 

Activities                                                                                                                                                                   Sports

A.L. Insider                                                                               Jazz Band                                                               Baseball

ALHS Cheerleading                                                                 Justice League                                                      Basketball

Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps               Mock Trial                                                             Bowling

Band                                                                                           National Honor Society                                      Cross Country 

Chess Club                                                                                Orchestra                                                               Football

Choir                                                                                          Peer Helping                                                         Golf

DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America)             Pom Pon Squad                                                    Soccer

Echoes/Crimson & Blue                                                          Science Club                                                         Softball             

ELL Club                                                                                    Spanish Club                                                        Swimming         

Engineering Club                                                                     Speech Team                                                        Tennis

Good Morning A.L.                                                                 Student Government                                           Track

IJAG                                                                                           Swing Choir                                                          Volleyball

                                                                                                                                                                                    Wrestling

                                                                          

 

MINIMUM SCHOOL DAY FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO ENROLL FOR A FULL DAY

                The Board of Education and the staff of Abraham Lincoln High School encourage all students to make maximum use of curriculum offerings, supplemental resources such as libraries and learning centers, and all other educational facilities.

                To that end, it will be the policy of Abraham Lincoln High School that all students enrolled in high school will be encouraged to be in attendance for all periods.  Any exceptions will need parent permission.

                Students enrolled in vocational programs, special education classes, joint high school/college classes or other special programs will be expected to meet equivalent time demands within the limits of their program.  Special program exceptions must be submitted to the building principal for consideration.

 

GRADING SYSTEM

                Every student will receive quarter and semester grades.  The only grades maintained in the school’s permanent record and used to determine class rank and cumulative grade point are those shown as final semester grades.

                Letter grades are used in the reporting system.  The following is a brief summary of this system.

                                A   -     Excellent                                            I         -     Incomplete, No Credit

                                B   -     Very Good                                         W      -     Withdraw, No Credit 

                                C   -     Average                                             NC    -     Audit, No Credit

                                D   -     Lowest Passing Mark                      EX     -     Excused

                        F    -     Failing, No Credit                             P        -     Pass With Credit

                The following weights will be used to figure grade point average:

A = 4      B = 3       C = 2       D = 1       F = 0

                There is no weighted grading for Advanced Placement, Honors or Advanced/TAG classes.

 

GRADE POINT AVERAGE (G.P.A.)

                Grade Point Average (G.P.A.) is determined by averaging the grades that students receive in most of their classes.  A G.P.A. is calculated by dividing the weighted sum (credit multiplied by grade weights) by the weighted credits.  Courses such as Guidance aide, office aide, ELL tutor, and library aide receive a grade of “P” for pass.  Students receive ˝ credit, which is not included in the G.P.A. calculation.  Courses may only be retaken when the original grade is a D or F for the improved grade to replace the original on the transcript.  The course may be retaken for a grade only- not pass/fail.   Teacher’s Aide does not receive credit.

 

INCOMPLETE WORK

                Course makeup of an incomplete must be completed within 10 school days of the end of the marking period.  If there is a serious health problem, final judgment will be made by the Principal.

 

HONOR ROLL

                Class rank and G.P.A. are determined at the end of each semester in high school and are cumulative throughout four years.  Quarter grades are not included in class rank and G.P.A. but are used to determine quarter honor rolls.**

                Abraham Lincoln High School students are eligible for one of two honor rolls:

1.        GOLD HONOR ROLL – for students with a G.P.A. of 3.80 or better

2.        SILVER HONOR ROLL – for students with a G.P.A. of 3.50 – 3.79

**A student must carry a minimum of 6 credits to be eligible for the honor roll.

 

STUDENT RECORDS

                There are two types of student records:  Student Permanent Records and Student Temporary Records.

Student Permanent-Cumulative Records include:

1.        Basic identifying information (students’ and parents’ names and addresses, birth dates and places, etc.)

2.        Academic transcript (includes grades, class rank, graduation date, grade level achieved, etc.)

3.        Attendance record

4.        Health record

5.        Record of release of permanent record information

6.        Intelligence test scores

7.        Aptitude test scores

8.        Elementary and secondary achievement test scores

Student Temporary Records consist of all information not required to be in the Student Permanent Record and may include:

1.        Family background information

2.        Psychological evaluations

3.        Honors and awards

4.        Special education records

5.        Record of release of temporary record information

 

PROMOTION STANDARDS

                In order to be promoted to a successive grade level, students must meet minimally established credit requirements:

10th grade – 12 credits          11th grade – 24 credits          12th grade – 36 credits

 

INDEPENDENT STUDY

                The purpose of independent study is to organize student exploration of a subject or area so that a student may examine in depth, under the direction of a faculty member or department, an area of interest.  Independent Study may not be used to re-take a course for an improved grade.

 

                Plan for Independent Study:

1.        Student contacts teacher or teachers under which independent study project will be conducted.

2.        Teacher approves, checks with department head or lead teacher, has student complete the form and sends the form to the counselor.

3.        Counselor reviews the proposal, ascertains parental consent, and signs the request.

4.        Counselor will file the signed agreement and send a copy to the teacher and student.

5.        Progress report given as needed to counselor and parent in the event of unsatisfactory work.

6.        Evaluation procedures will be agreed upon in writing in advance by the teacher and student.

 

Guidelines for Participation:

1.        Students are limited to one independent study course per semester.  This course may be either a credit or a non-credit course.

2.        Students must register for a minimum of six (6) regularly scheduled courses to participate in an independent study course.

3.        Complete an Independent Study Agreement form with required signatures.

4.        The student and teacher advisor must have mutually agreeable free time for consultation and planning.

5.        Students must complete all work on courses for credit at least one week prior to the close of the semester in which the work will be recorded.

6.        Students must complete all necessary regularly offered courses in a particular area before approval will be given for an independent study course.

7.        A student may withdraw from an independent study course any time during the first half of the contract period by mutual agreement with the teacher advisor.  Withdrawals from credit courses will be recorded as a “W” on the student’s permanent record.  No withdrawals will be permitted after the midpoint of the contract period.  A letter grade will be recorded for all independent study credit courses that proceed beyond the midpoint of the contract.

8.        Summer projects may be organized.  However, registration and credit will only be granted during the regular school year.

P.E. Independent Study – Available for juniors and seniors with full schedules.  Additional information is available in the Physical Education section of this booklet.

 

SCHEDULE CHANGES

                After the initial registration and scheduling process, schedule changes may only be made according to the following:

1.        Computer and/or clerical errors, and/or overloaded classes.

2.        Failure in first or second semester course(s) taken in summer school.

3.        Approved level changes by the teacher and counselor.

4.        Completion of summer school courses, correspondence courses, independent study projects or college courses approved.

5.        Special Education placement.

6.        Significant changes in college or career planning approved by parent and counselor.

7.        Seniors who need courses for graduation not currently in their schedule.

8.        Failure to have the necessary prerequisites of a course.

9.        Wanting to simply add a course without disturbing the rest of the schedule.

Approval from the student’s counselor is necessary for any deletion of a course.  Parent permission may be required for changes.  Students are expected to remain in the class and to do the best they can.  Students who do drop a course after four ˝ weeks (first progress report of the semester) will receive an “F” for the semester.

                Students are expected to take a full schedule.  Any exceptions will be approved by parents, counselors, and administration.

 

COLLEGE CREDIT

                Students can earn college credits in certain courses through Advanced Placement, Post-Secondary Enrollment Options, Select Senior Program, and/or the Honors Early Start Program at Iowa Western Community College.  To earn college credit from IWCC, students must meet the prerequisites for the course, meet required ASSET, COMPASS, or ACT scores and complete an IWCC application through the Post Secondary Strategist (Mrs. Schultz).  We encourage students to take advantage of these opportunities.  However, students should choose their college courses carefully.  For second semester, IWCC grades are calculated for work through the last day for seniors.  Check with your counselor for details.

 

ICN

                A number of courses are offered for credit through the ICN.  Class enrollment will help determine actual course offerings.  ICN brochures and qualifying information is available in the Guidance Office or from the Post Secondary Strategist (Mrs. Schultz).

 
NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY

                The National Honor Society, a national organization, was established as an incentive to higher achievement for high school students.  Membership in the society is based upon the student’s record in scholarship, leadership, service, and character.  At Abraham Lincoln, membership is open to sophomore, junior, and senior students.  Since it is one of the highest honors that can be bestowed upon a high school student, every student should attempt to make membership in the National Honor Society his or her goal.  Students who have a 3.4 or better cumulative grade point average after the first semester are encouraged to apply. 

 

PASS/FAIL OPTION

                A student may take three elective courses for pass/fail between the sophomore and senior years.  A contract must be completed with the counselor.  Implementation of this option requires no difference in the instruction, and the student is expected to complete all course requirements.  The purpose of this option is to allow a student to master a skill or explore a new area without endangering a grade point average.  Examples may be a special interest class such as ceramics or music in which the student may have no special ability but would like to satisfy a curiosity or broaden the scope of his/her knowledge and experience.  Credit is awarded for successful completion.  A grade of “P” or “F” is entered onto the transcript with no effect upon G.P.A.  Students must declare their intention of this option by the first marking period of the quarter.  

 

TRANSCRIPTS

                Students may request transcripts to be mailed with the application to colleges, scholarship foundations, etc.

                The first two college applications/transcripts will be mailed free of charge.  After two, there will be a charge.  The final high school transcript will be mailed free of charge.  Transcripts needed for scholarship competition will be provided at no charge.

                The Guidance Department will keep a record of the number of transcripts mailed for each student.  See the guidance secretary to request a transcript.  During the summer, they may be requested in the main office or on-line (see ALHS web page). 

 

EARLY GRADUATION

                Any student wishing to apply for early graduation must complete the request form, which may be obtained from your counselor and turned in to the Principal at least one semester prior to the requested completion date.  As part of the senior English requirement the student must submit a satisfactorily completed research paper.  Final approval is given by the Principal, if the student qualifies.

 

CORRESPONDENCE COURSES/ON-LINE COURSES

The following guidelines must be met in order to secure approval of a correspondence course:

1.        Prior approval is needed from the Counseling Department.

2.        Official notification of credit for correspondence courses must be received in the Guidance Office no later than 15 school days from the end of the semester where the credit is to be applied.

Final approval is given by the Principal, if the student qualifies.

 

REQUEST FOR ASSIGNMENTS

                Students who are ill and need to miss school for three or more days may request assignments from their teachers.  A parent needs to call the Attendance Office (328-6482) and request the information.  Please allow 24 hours to complete the request.  The materials can then be picked up in the Attendance Office any time between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m or the main office until 5:00 p.m.

 

HOSPITAL – HOMEBOUND POLICY

                In case a student will be hospitalized or will be home ill for an extended period of time, it is possible to place a student on a hospital-bound or homebound program.  These programs are designed to provide teacher assistance to the student for class work.  Absences from school are not counted against a student.

                Please alert the Attendance Office and the appropriate counselor if a long-term absence appears imminent.  Arrangements will be made for appropriate program placement.

 

DRIVERS EDUCATION PLACEMENT

                All students interested in taking Driver’s Education must pre-register for the class.  When students pre-register for the class, they will be required to show their Iowa learner’s permit.  Pre-registration will take place in April in the commons area during lunch time.  The deadline for pre-registration is April 30, 2007.  The oldest 125 students who have pre-registered and provided proof of holding a learner’s permit will be enrolled in the Driver’s Education class for the 2007-2008 school year (fall semester).  If there are additional students who would like to take Driver’s Education and they are not one of the oldest 125, these students will be required to provide a copy of their learner’s permit and they will be placed on a waiting list in the guidance office.  If space in the DE class should become available in the fall, the oldest students on the waiting list will have priority and may be added at this time.

 

GUIDANCE DEPARTMENT SERVICES

                High school students often need assistance in making personal, vocational and educational decisions.  Guidance services offered to students include the following:

Counseling

                Students may request to speak to any guidance counselor; however, it is the student’s responsibility to go through the proper procedure and obtain a pass to be absent from class.  The counselors are available to help students think through problems.  Counselors will also give assistance in interpreting standardized test scores, explaining how to study more effectively, exploring vocational fields, planning schedules, selecting suitable colleges or vocational schools, and making applications for job, schools, etc.

Testing

                Students will be involved in standardized assessment as they progress through school.  Tests are tools designed to measure achievement, aptitude, vocational preference, and other areas.  Results of testing are interpreted to students and parents.

Planning Future Experiences

                The Guidance Center helps students plan for future education.  The office has available a large number of college and vocational school catalogs, as well as other books containing information about higher education.  Representatives from many area schools visit Abraham Lincoln High School and talk with interested students.  The counselors will also assist students in making application for scholarships offered by colleges and other organizations.  Computer software programs are also available.

Exploring Vocations

                Information on a wide variety of occupations is available in the Guidance Center.  Students are encouraged to start using all this information as early as possible.  A formal introduction will occur for the student during their freshman year.  Several courses also examine career opportunities.  Check with your counselor as to which classes might be beneficial to you.  Computer software programs are available for career exploration.

Crisis

                Counselors are at school to be of assistance.  The student or the parent should feel free to contact the counselor regarding crisis situations.  PLEASE LET US KNOW!

Group Guidance

                A number of classroom presentations are offered to students each year.  Topics include financial aid, post high school planning, self-assessment, decision making, and career choices.

Group Counseling

                Small group counseling is available in a number of interest areas.  Concerns such as family changes and a variety of personal issues are dealt with in a group setting.

Classroom Guidance Activities

                Counselors present information about life planning, post high school planning, financial aid, and drug and alcohol education.

College Preparation Exams

                The relationship between academic course work and performance on the ACT Assessment remains clear.  On the average students who take course work in English, Mathematics, Social Studies, and Natural Sciences earn higher scores on corresponding ACT tests.

                The recommended high school core curriculum includes four years of English and three years each of Mathematics, Social Studies, and Natural Science.

Financial Aid

                Counselors provide advice, software programs, printed materials and presentations for financial planning. A Financial Aid Night is presented each year for seniors and parents.

Required Courses for College

                The requirements for admission to Iowa Regents Universities are listed in this booklet.  Other colleges may require more, or less, high school preparation.

                Please use caution in substituting alternative courses for English 7-8 and World History 2.  Check with specific colleges regarding acceptance of alternate courses.

                Work closely with your counselor in determining your admission requirements.  A College Planning Night is offered each fall for 11th grade students and parents.  Every student who plans to attend a four-year college needs to enroll in a HES or AP course during high school to assist with the transition to college expectations and to earn some college credit while still in high school. 

Scholarships

                The Post Secondary Strategist (Mrs. Schultz) handles a large number of scholarship applications.  Seniors are encouraged to pursue the available scholarships in the scholarship drawer.  As scholarships arrive in the mail, a Senior Bulletin is prepared and distributed to Connecting Lynx groups.  This information is also posted on our web page.  Besides scholarship information, the Bulletin also includes many other items of importance to seniors (i.e. when college representatives will be visiting, etc.).  Students are encouraged to access the Internet for excellent scholarship searches.  An extensive computer software program is also available in the Guidance Office for student use.

NCAA Clearinghouse

                Athletes considering competing at NCAA Division I or II schools have certain requirements for high school course requirements and ACT/SAT scores.   The NCAA Clearinghouse does not approve all high school core classes.  Students need to talk to a counselor about their courses.  Additional information is available in this booklet about this topic.  Clearinghouse forms can be completed on-line and should be completed during the fall of the senior year. 

 

ADDITIONAL COLLEGE CREDIT OPPORTUNITIES

 

Honors Early Start

1.        Open to all qualified juniors and seniors as well as 9th and 10th grade students who meet the entrance requirements.

2.        Students planning to enroll in one or more HES courses for the next year must specifically sign up during the early spring course selection process at their home school using an Iowa Western Community College registration form.

3.        Students must earn qualifying scores on an ACT, ASSET or COMPASS test.  The ASSET Test is offered at the high school each spring.  Students earning a qualifying score then sign up for the appropriate course(s) through the Post Secondary Strategist (Mrs. Schultz). If they do not earn a qualifying score, they can take the COMPASS test at IWCC.

4.        Once students have passed the assessment, registered at their home high school and paid the required $25 enrollment fee directly to IWCC, the Post Secondary Strategist (Mrs. Schultz) will develop a database that can be cross-referenced with the class rosters that IWCC sends out early in the semester.

5.        Students are advised that withdrawal from the course after the IWCC deadline or any course failures can cause